Original subtitles

Produced by Markes Film Studio together with Russkoye Film Studio

SALTYCHIKHA

SALTYCHIKHA

Episode 11 Mermaids

What are we going to do now?

Ermolay, what do we do with the dead bodies?

Efim is dead and old Nazar.

And we shagged Dunya badly.

She's missing.

What will become of us now?

We've really gone too far.

Got drunk and made a mess.

Where do we hide the dead?

Why hide them?

What do we have to do with it? You think anyone will dare to go against us?

And if someone says anything, madam will write it off.

We didn't do it on our own. It was her order.

Where do we take them then?

To the priest.

And if he asks?

Spill vodka over them.

We'll tell him they got drunk and got into a fight.

I'll go report to mistress.

Oh Lord, why?

Why did you kill my girl?

Oh my God! My daughter!

My daughter!

My girl! My daughter!

Why, Lord?

Oh Lord, why?

So?

What a good party the guards had!

Look what our mistress is doing!

How long will we keep up with this?

Hasn't she had enough?

Let's go to her!

Let's all go and ask her when this will end!

Quiet!

Don't go. I'll go to her.

She may think it's a riot and send you to prison.

She needs no court order for it.

My girl!

My daughter!

Excuse me.

Your messenger's carriage has arrived.

Finally! Maybe he's got news.

Where's the driver?

This is my last warning to you.

Good morning, madam.

Pour me a cup of tea.

How are you feeling today?

How's your headache?

I need to see madam. It's urgent!

Get off! Let me in!

To madam, I say!

So, what brings you here?

People are worried, madam.

The guards ran wild in the village yesterday.

Raped girls and burned fires.

Two people are dead.

A girl drowned in the river.

It's your will, but people are in big trouble because of it.

Yes, I heard.

Ermolay has already reported to me.

So what? Men got drunk and started making fires and beating women?

I wanted to do good to you.

But I see it's no use.

Or do you think differently?

Do people know something I don't know?

But it's all a lie.

It's a lie! They were shouting that you allowed them to do it!

The guards are terrorizing us!

The guards!

And where were you?

They locked me up.

Enough.

Stop accusing people for no reason.

Anything else?

Three people went missing last night.

Who?

Grishka the hunchback, Andrey, and Aksinya, the maid.

I told you they would run away.

I knew it.

Then list them as fugitives.

As fugitives, you say?

And what about the hunchback?

And what do you think?

People are saying that mermaids dragged him into the swamp.

Then write it down in the records.

Everyone will run away this way, Ignat Fedotych.

You need to look after them better.

I don't want any more fugitives.

Madam, we also need to add stoveman Christof to the records.

He arrived at Christmas.

Business needs attention.

Bring me the records.

They are here.

Stop drinking already.

So, Ignat?

Have you caught the fugitives?

You think Andrey's boots will fit you?

Are they Andrey's?

How do we know? They don't say it.

And you're taking his horse too?

Watch out, Ermolay. He can throw you off.

Don't worry, he won't.

Do you know the saying, "Any dog can be tamed?"

Oh, that's right.

Any dog.

Sooner or later.

- Bastard! - Any dog, any dog.

Sooner or later. Any dog.

Ignat!

Did you see the mood our mistress is in?

She thinks she got rid of her enemies.

But she doesn't know that her main enemy is right here under her nose.

She'll be so mad when she finds out.

You bitch! I gave you everything.

Everything I had.

I see you're not afraid of death?

Think of something.

I don't care where you'll get it.

Ignat Fedotych!

Ignat Fedotych!

Is there no law against her?

I was the only one who refused. The others went crazy.

They want power and are afraid of Ermolay.

What can I do about it?

Is there no one who can stand up for us?

We are illiterate, but you are educated.

What if we write a petition?

- Are you going to the city? - Yes.

Let's go.

How did it go, Ignat?

There's no justice for us.

Where are you going?

Why are you silent?

Why are you hiding your eyes?

No, tell me.

Where have you been all night? Where were you hiding?

We had nowhere to hide.

And if you knew, why didn't you tell us?

Or are you with Ermolay now and are afraid to tell?

Tell me! Tell us, and we'll listen!

Tell us!

Gentlemen, there's one thing I don't understand.

What do you want from her?

Money? I thought I made it clear to you last time.

Forget the money. Our family's honor is at stake here.

And our nephew is in great danger with such a mother.

She hired an army that looks like the Imperial Guard, can you believe it?

She has dogs guarding him!

That's within her rights!

What's your problem with that?

Our problem is that we can't see our nephew!

Besides, do your remember our fears about her nervous disposition?

Spare me your fears!

Leave the widow alone!

That's unthinkable! She

She set guards at her gates, and we don't know what's going on behind those gates!

Excuse me, Your Excellency!

A messenger has arrived from Troitskoye.

And?

A denunciation. It says horrible things are going on in Troitskoye.

They're asking to send guardsmen.

Okay.

Go there and check everything.

And be careful.

Okay.

Well?

Are you satisfied?

Pavel Petrovich!

Your Highness!

Your Highness, come back!

We're having a lesson.

Your Highness!

Doggies!

Your Highness, we're having a lesson. Please make yourself presentable.

You think you have grabbed God by the beard?

This is going to change. She'll get bored with you.

Saltykov! You need to learn to lose.

She dismissed you.

How do you say here? She gave you a kiss-off?

Don't disturb the empress at night.

I pity you.

Pan Stanislav?

Don't keep me waiting.

My queen!

And what did you expect? That would be her favorite forever?

Why doesn't she let me go then?

Why keep me?

Look at him! The empress won't let him go!

Everyone at court can't even dream of such a favor!

Saltykov! Saltykov!

Let's drink.

I'm in the palace only because of you.

It pains me to see you like that.

And she loved me.

Do you believe me?

She did.

You're such a mess. Cheer up!

Do you know that I have a proof?

What do you mean?

Hold on.

What's that?

What's there? A letter?

It's her.

Damn it.

Saltykov?

Damn it.

What's wrong?

What's the matter? Have you lost your mind?

Or did someone die?

No one died, Naryshkin.

Everyone's fine.

But I'm dead.

Oh Lord!

Have mercy on his soul.

Why did he do it? He wasn't a drunk.

It's clear why.

Madam asked for the records this morning.

He must have stolen a lot.

So he got scared and hanged himself.

- Where do we take him? - Straight to the cemetery.

We can't hold a service for him.

What's wrong with these people?

Khlyschinsky.

Let him in.

Did you come to see me?

Let me remind you. Khlyschinsky.

Arkady Semyonovich.

Moscow Police Investigator.

So they sent me to us.

I'm here on business, Madam Saltykova.

Call me Darya Nikolayevna. We keep it simple here.

I haven't had breakfast yet. Would you join me?

No, no, it's all right. I'll wait outside.

I would like to speak to your manager and check the records.

I'm afraid you won't be able to speak with the manager.

He hanged himself yesterday.

- Hanged himself? - Yes.

- I'm really upset. - I'm sorry.

- Why did he do it? - I don't know.

I was told he had been going to the market secretly.

Pocketing the money and then complaining about the losses.

I asked him for the records the day before that.

He went to get it...

And didn't come back.

- Well... - Please help me figure it out.

I'm really worried.

And why are we still standing?

Don't be shy. Come have breakfast with me.

Bring the utensils.

Sit down.

Try these amazing pies.

Sit down.

And what brings you here, Arkady Semyonovich?

Go!

I think I'll better read it.

According to the person who can't be named in the interests of the investigation...

Saltykova has established a brutal order in her estate.

Excuse me.

The beatings of serfs and family members.

Her guards commit atrocities against serfs under her orders.

What? What's this?

Is this a denunciation?

On me?

Why? How's that possible?

Why are they making a monster out of me?

Who needs that?

Or do you...

Or do you think I'm a monster too?

No, Darya Nikolayevna!

I only came here to see that it's a lie!

Please don't worry.

But I need to report to my bosses.

Okay.

I get it.

Avdotya!

Bring all the books and records.

And accompany mister investigator.

Let him do what he needs to do.

I just need the paperwork to be in order, and that's all.

I won't bother you, Darya Nikolayevna.

Mister Khlyschinsky, I insist.

I'm asking you.

Please do your duty thoroughly.

Search everything carefully.

So?

Was he seeing anyone?

He was widowed. Lived alone.

Never had anyone.

Who knows what he was after.

What did he need the money for?

Oh, madam didn't tell you out of kindness.

She promised to free him.

So he was thinking about his new life. Thought he didn't have enough.

Really?

It doesn't look like that.

Why not?

Here, look.

Who lights a stove in summer?

It's hot.

Well, maybe no one does.

But someone clearly lit it recently.

And it doesn't look like wood.

That's a manager!

That's great.

That's it. No external injuries.

I'm telling you he's a hangman.

I know them well.

He's not beaten up or drunk.

There's nothing like that.

Yes, there are no signs of violence.

Father, I need to compare your records with the records from Troitskoye.

Okay.

What's with the inspection?

Did anything happen?

Sort of. My bosses sent me.

I'm just doing my job.

Father, and what do you think about Saltykova?

What's there to think?

She's in mourning for her husband.

It's difficult to run the household.

One needs a strong hand for this.

Men start drinking right away.

They don't pity women and have no fear of God.

You know...

People from Troitskoye stopped going to the church at all.

Or have you finished building your own church?

Darya Nikolayevna is a kind woman, I'm telling you. She's a saint.

But you can't give too much freedom to the people.

Thank you. Thank you.

God bless you too.

Okay, it's clear what happened to the manager.

Let's see what happened here on Trinity Sunday.

Do people drink a lot here?

Like anywhere else.

Bastards!

Those two were the worst.

They got whatever they could get: the mother and the daughter.

And what about Grishka the hunchback? Was he a drunk too?

That's a different story.

He was a cripple.

And Aksinya and Andrey were lovers.

Everyone knew about that. They didn't hide.

They conspired and decided to kill the hunchback and run away.

And maybe he killed them? No one knows.

Well...

What people you have here.

Oh, here's another record.

Dunya. 15 years old. Drowned herself.

- What happened to her? - Oh dear Lord!

About Dunya...

People think it's the evil spirits.

What evil spirits?

And what else?

People call that night "the Mermaid Night" for a reason.

Have you heard nothing about our swamps?

There are...

Quiet, quiet.

So you think it's the evil spirits?

What else could it be? It was the Mermaid Night.

It wasn't mermaids.

It was the witch. The witch lured her.

She's mad at our people.

What mermaids?

Why are you telling him fairy tales?

Here's the truth, master.

We live in fear.

They cut off Fyokla's tongue.

They ride over people with their horses.

Who let the guards rape innocent girls?

I'll tell you who did.

They did.

Sluts.

Weren't they making out with the guards just recently?

With the young ones.

What are you saying?

Have you lost all shame, you heartless bitch?

I hope your tongue falls off!

Tongue, you say?

You have a shoe full of children.

I warned you, Natalya.

Master!

If you're finished...

Please welcome to the house.

They say...

Men got drunk and started a fight in the village.

Someone even died.

Now it's quiet.

What could have happened if I hadn't stopped you then?

And what about Nastya?

Any news from her?

No, nothing, master.

Ah, that's not good.

Yeah.

She used to come almost every day.

Maybe I should visit her myself?

That's a good idea.

Get me my best jacket.

It's been a long time since I went out.

Yes, master, it's been a while.

So?

What do you think, woman?

Why are they bad-mouthing your mistress?

Well, it's clear.

People like to see other people miserable and envy their happiness.

Madam has a lot of enemies.

Just recently the young master fell off a horse, and everyone thought it was her.

Oh, such are these people.

Ask around the neighboring estates.

Ask them! They'll all tell you that the mistress in Troitskoye is good.

Really good!

Yes, she's building a church for the people.

She cares about their souls.

She gives them everything.

And they can't get enough.

Heathens!

I'll tell you straight. Our mistress is the best.

Or take Nastya.

A stray girl.

She took her into the house and made her son's nurse.

Just like that.

Here he is. A gentlemen from Moscow.

They must have learned everything without you.

Justice will always prevail.

There's nothing to be afraid of now.

Your confinement will end soon.

She will be punished.

Arkady Semyonovich!

I'm so grateful to you.

You did me such a big favor.

I wish all landlords would treat their people like that.

It really seems that your haters and enemies just can't get enough.

Well, goodbye.

Arkady Semyonovich!

- Please take this. - No, no, why?

All my troubles are because of my wealth.

Everyone is after it.

I want to use it for good, and it always turns against me.

Take it please.

It feels so good that my money can make someone happy.

Thank you.

Goodbye!

Hold on.

The denunciation.

It's against the rules.

But I want you to know who took advantage of you while plotting behind your back.

Ignat Fedotych?

- Yes. - I knew it.

He wanted to hide his dirty secrets.

You should be stricter with them, Darya Nikolayevna.

Human nature is the foulest of all, I can tell you that.

Arkady Semyonovich!

I pray for all of them.

But they don't know what they're doing.

Goodbye, Darya Nikolayevna!

Move!

The empress herself sends me letters of gratitude for my philanthropy.

You, governor, made me an honorary citizen.

You were friends with my late father.

And now what?

Your guardsmen are disturbing me.

Lies and denunciations.

Everyone wants bribes.

And I'm alone with a child.

I have nowhere to go for protection.

I intend to complain to the empress about this outrage.

Darya Nikolayevna, my dear!

I swear I didn't know anything about that.

I will...

I will...

Bring Kobzev to me!

Now!

It's weird that Kobzev isn't here.

Why did the governor call for him?

We just need to set the authorities against her.

And then we'll tear the whole place apart.

And get the precious letter.

Anyway, let's wait for His Excellency.

Here he comes.

How are you doing, Your Excellency?

How did the investigation go?

The investigation?

I investigated.

I listened to you.

What a fool!

Damn it! How could I make such a fool of myself?

Never again!

You don't know how cunning she is. You underestimate her.

Yes, I underestimate her.

Not only is she a millionaire, she's also a philanthropist!

And I stick some denunciation under her nose!

And not without your help!

Excuse me!

Sergey!

Don't act like a stranger.

You think I forgot about our past?

I'll never forget that.

I'm so happy.

I never thought I would win back your favour.

- I thought... - You thought right.

You'll always be in my heart, Sergey.

But not in my bed.

Where's my letter, Sergey?

That's the last thing I needed now.

Your Highness....

Tell me you lost it in a fire.

Or that it drowned in the sea.

Tell me, what?

- The letter is... - Where is it?

- Tell me! - It got into someone else's hands.

- Please have mercy. - What?

In someone else's hands?

The lock of Pavel's hair!

And what if it falls into my enemies' hands?

I knew it. I felt it.

How could I be so stupid?

How could I trust such a man?

I'm sorry, Your Highness.

She tricked me. She stole it from me.

I was hoping to get it back.

I hired people. I did!

My uncles tried to get it back.

Stand up already!

Tell me who it is.

Who?

Say it.

Darya Nikolayevna Saltykova.

- What? - My second cousin's widow.

- We were so young. - Not so young.

If the letter...

Then it was after you came back, Sergey.

I was so foolish and naive.

And not only you.

I wish you'd have slept with all the court schlapme.

Why are you standing here? Go to her and get this goddamn letter.

And don't come back without it.

Scheiß drauf!

Pile up!

Hands!

Step forward. Just a little.

Good. Freeze!

Hold still!

Kobzev!

Kobzev!

Yes, yes, yes. I was driving by and decided to visit my old friend.

Well?

You're a rascal, Mansurov.

Look how well you're settled.

Frankly, I envy you.

I wish someone would give me a village.

At least 10 souls, but mine.

Don't envy me, my friend. It's so boring!

I see you're still up to your old habits.

At ease!

You won't find such a bearing anywhere in the army.

Yeah.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Frankly speaking, I came here on business.

I knew it! What business?

Yes. Here's the thing.

I listened to some good people...

And started an investigation in Troitskoye on a false denunciation.

Denunciation?

Oh my God, that's nasty.

And how can I help?

You know, if she doesn't forgive me, I can lose not just my job but my head.

The governor gave me such a hard time because of this investigation.

He made her an honorary citizen.

And there's me with this denunciation.

She says she will complain to the empress.

So I'm screwed, my friend.

I thought that you, as the head of the nobility, could introduce me to her.

Like a neighbour.

But it should be natural.

Don't worry.

I can tell you that she's a wonderful woman.

Then introduce me.

Well...

Are they good?

Amazing.

Pile up!

Excellent!

And what about that one?

He's sick.

Oh, that's beautiful.

You should see them in action.

Hello, Darya Nikolayevna!

Hello!

I'm happy to see you in good health.

Please excuse my audacity.

I was driving by with my guest from Moscow.

And we decided to pay our respects to you.

Kobzev Fyodor Ilyich.

Saltykova Darya Nikolayevna.

We're old friends with the general.

I'm an idler, and he's still in the service.

He's the head of the Moscow Police. I'm proud of him.

Your friends are my friends.

Would you care to join me for dinner?

Thank you.

Nice to meet you.

Darya Nikolayevna!

Allow me to take this opportunity to offer my sincere apology.

My service is like walking a tightrope.

Please forgive me for causing you trouble.

It's okay, Fyodor Ilyich.

You think I don't understand? Quite the opposite. I'm grateful to you.

You have restored order in the household.

I have a big estate, and it's hard to manage on my own.

Darya Nikolayevna, please don't say that.

We all... I'm all yours.

Just one word.

That's delicious!

Fyodor Ilyich is a prominent gourmet.

No, I'm not. I used to be.

It's so hard to find a good cook these days.

You're right. You won't find another one like in Troitskoye.

Avdotya!

Bring the cook here.

The one who's younger.

Glasha!

Wash your face and go upstairs.

Take your things with you.

- Where are you taking me? - Where, Avdotya?

That's none of your business.

You're going to Moscow to serve a new master.

And what about my brother?

I can't do without him!

We're orphans! I'm like a mother to him!

He can't do without me! I can't do without him! He helps me in the kitchen and...

That's none of my business!

Ask madam. Maybe she'll let you take him with you.

Go upstairs. They are waiting for you.

What's her name?

Glasha. Glafira.

Glafira. Well...

My guests have commended your skills.

You will now serve Fyodor Ilyich.

Darya Nikolayevna...

Darya Nikolayevna, I can't...

No, no, please don't.

Don't thank me, Fyodor Ilyich.

Watch yourself.

Don't embarrass me.

Madam, I'm at your mercy. I'll do as you wish. But...

But I have a brother, you see? Please don't separate us!

What's this?

What? We're no monsters.

Really.

Okay, let's see.

Let's see.

He might come in useful.

Let's not separate them.

Thank you. Thank you, madam.

Thank masters.

Thank you, madam. We'll never forget your kindness, master.

Thank you.

Get out.

Darya Nikolayevna, now I see for myself.

Your hospitality!

- Your generosity! - Don't say that!

- I've fallen. - Don't say that!

I've fallen.

Darya Nikolayevna, you're an angel.

You're a liar.

You're an angel.

- Darya Nikolayevna, goodbye! - Goodbye!

Darya Nikolayevna!

Your enemies are very upset.

Be careful.

That's why you need insiders.

I owe you.

Madam!

Darya Nikolayevna!

Allow me to introduce myself.

I'm your neighbor, Prince Titsianov.

Yes, I've heard a lot about you.

I sent you an invitation, and you neglected it.

Please excuse me.

I was very busy.

I'm worried about Nastya.

She's a pure and very talented girl.

I'm a friend of hers.

It's not really appropriate for a prince to be friends with serfs.

Would you like to buy her out?

I understand.

I understand. She's a pretty girl, that's true.

Excuse me, what are you talking about?

How can you?

Darya Nikolayevna, if you don't remember...

Let me remind you that your late husband promised to free Nastya!

Escort him out.

Darya Nikolayevna!

Madam!

Lord!

If he just asked me...

If he repented...

I would give him everything.

I would forgive everything, I swear.

Lord!

Well...

Come here.

Don't stand there like a stranger.

Come here.

Closer.

Sit down. Sit down.

There you go.

I need to celebrate.

But I'm not happy.

They're all after the letter, Ivan.

And that's all.

The letter.

He loved me.

I know he loved me.

My heart doesn't lie.

He put his hand like that.

And I melted.

Melted like wax.

Madam!

There's a carriage at the gates.

Let it in?

Good Lord!

Who can it be at such an hour?

She's alive.